American Airlines introduced extensive "Fleet Harmonization" SOPs through a 36-page bulletin, aiming for common procedures across aircraft types, but provided no simulator or online training for these significant operational changes.
The pilot union (APA) strongly opposed this "training-by-bulletin" method, arguing it was insufficient for critical changes and violated contractual training agreements, citing safety concerns.
The rapid and poorly managed implementation caused confusion among pilots and management, leading to disciplinary action against a captain who prioritized safety briefings on the new procedures.
The author, a veteran pilot, critiques this approach, drawing parallels to past inadequate training experiences and emphasizing that safety, supported by proper training, must always take precedence over financial efficiency.
After hearing the thwack of the cockpit door, I turned in my seat to see the captain standing frozen in position. He scanned the flight deck with wide eyes and then settled his focus on me in the right seat.
“Did you know that we were flying a 757 on this leg?” the captain asked with a sheepish expression.
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Les Abend is a retired, 34-year veteran of American Airlines, attempting to readjust his passion for flying airplanes in the lower flight levels—without the assistance of a copilot.
